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Faizan
Adolescents as young as 13 -- possibly a little sooner for girls -- often meet in groups before taking the plunge into one-on-one dating, explains HealthyChildren.org, a website published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's common for teens at the young end of the spectrum to congregate at the mall, go bowling, play volleyball or engage in any number of group activities. By offering support and guidance, parents can help their teens make smart dating decisions especially as they make the transition from group dating to one-on-one dating.
Safety in Numbers
Dr. Ron Eagar, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center, believes that group dating is a good way for adolescents to dip their feet into the dating pool rather than diving in. Safety is the primary benefit of going out with several kids at a time, Eager explained to the AAP. Group dating gives young adolescents the chance to casually socialize without feeling tongue tied and without the sexual tension that can take place during one-on-one dating. Group dating is different from double or triple dating as couples; most kids who spend time in a group setting are not romantically involved, aside from an occasional attraction to another group member.
Single Dating and Sexuality
Sixteen is generally considered an ideal age to allow your teen to begin one-on-one dating. Age 15 or 17 may also be appropriate depending on your teen's maturity level. Parents must realize that just because an adolescent is showing a growing interest in sexual topics, that increased interest does not automatically mean she is having sex. Teens unquestionably think about sex and have romantic attractions, and parents must be prepared for this.
Such feelings can confuse or upset a young person who fantasizes about a peer of the same gender. In other cases, a teen may feel completely comfortable with their sexual identity even if it is not accepted in the mainstream. In such cases, parents who disagree with their child's sexual choices should refrain from using words like "immoral," "wrong," or "sick," advises MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health.
Falling in Love
When a teen falls in love for the first time, she may have an endless list of questions about her intense emotions toward another person. She may want to hear all about her parents' courtship and whether it was love at first sight. She may ask how to know for sure that she's falling in love. "Parents should never dismiss or scoff at a first love,” says Tucson Pediatrician George Comerci, M.D. Instead, parents should be aware that the first romantic relationship for a teen is of extreme importance, because it's the first intimate connection with someone other than a family member.
Romantic breakups can be especially tough on teens that have yet to realize that their heart will eventually bounce back. If your teen's first love ends, assure him that his despair will soon fade even though it may not feel humanly possible. If your teen is struggling to rebound from the loss of the relationship, do not brush it aside and assume that he will be OK with time. In cases of depression or despair that lingers, seek professional help.
Precautions
Talk to your adolescent about healthy dating relationships and potential problems such as sexual violence or date rape and other forms of abuse like bullying, pushing or hitting. More than one in 10 teens are physically abused in a dating relationship, according to the AAP. The figure is even higher when you take into account emotional abuse and threats. Teens tend to be tight-lipped about relationship abuse because they feel ashamed and humiliated. They may also worry that telling the truth will fuel more abuse or that it's somehow their fault they're being mistreated.
Safety in Numbers
Dr. Ron Eagar, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center, believes that group dating is a good way for adolescents to dip their feet into the dating pool rather than diving in. Safety is the primary benefit of going out with several kids at a time, Eager explained to the AAP. Group dating gives young adolescents the chance to casually socialize without feeling tongue tied and without the sexual tension that can take place during one-on-one dating. Group dating is different from double or triple dating as couples; most kids who spend time in a group setting are not romantically involved, aside from an occasional attraction to another group member.
Single Dating and Sexuality
Sixteen is generally considered an ideal age to allow your teen to begin one-on-one dating. Age 15 or 17 may also be appropriate depending on your teen's maturity level. Parents must realize that just because an adolescent is showing a growing interest in sexual topics, that increased interest does not automatically mean she is having sex. Teens unquestionably think about sex and have romantic attractions, and parents must be prepared for this.
Such feelings can confuse or upset a young person who fantasizes about a peer of the same gender. In other cases, a teen may feel completely comfortable with their sexual identity even if it is not accepted in the mainstream. In such cases, parents who disagree with their child's sexual choices should refrain from using words like "immoral," "wrong," or "sick," advises MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health.
Falling in Love
When a teen falls in love for the first time, she may have an endless list of questions about her intense emotions toward another person. She may want to hear all about her parents' courtship and whether it was love at first sight. She may ask how to know for sure that she's falling in love. "Parents should never dismiss or scoff at a first love,” says Tucson Pediatrician George Comerci, M.D. Instead, parents should be aware that the first romantic relationship for a teen is of extreme importance, because it's the first intimate connection with someone other than a family member.
Romantic breakups can be especially tough on teens that have yet to realize that their heart will eventually bounce back. If your teen's first love ends, assure him that his despair will soon fade even though it may not feel humanly possible. If your teen is struggling to rebound from the loss of the relationship, do not brush it aside and assume that he will be OK with time. In cases of depression or despair that lingers, seek professional help.
Precautions
Talk to your adolescent about healthy dating relationships and potential problems such as sexual violence or date rape and other forms of abuse like bullying, pushing or hitting. More than one in 10 teens are physically abused in a dating relationship, according to the AAP. The figure is even higher when you take into account emotional abuse and threats. Teens tend to be tight-lipped about relationship abuse because they feel ashamed and humiliated. They may also worry that telling the truth will fuel more abuse or that it's somehow their fault they're being mistreated.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
